What to Do After a Bus Accident
If you've been hit by a MTA bus or were a bus passenger in an accident in New York City, taking the right steps immediately can maximize your compensation and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately visible, and having medical records is essential for strengthening your legal case and securing the full compensation you deserve.
- Report the Accident: Ensure the accident is reported to the police and the bus operator. A police report will serve as vital evidence in maximizing your claim if you decide to file.
- Gather Evidence:If possible, take photos of the scene, any damage, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This will help establish fault and protect your legal rights in the claim process.
- Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to settle quickly, often for less than you deserve. It’s important not to agree to anything or make statements without consulting our lawyer first to ensure you get the full compensation.
- Stay Off Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident on social media. Anything you share online can be used against you in the claim process and negatively affect your compensation.
- Contact our Proficient Law Office to Speak With A New York Bus Accident Lawyer: Contact us at Ajlouny Injury Law and speak with one of our expert NYC bus accident lawyers to review your case. We will help you if you were struck by a bus in New York state, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the maximum compensation possible.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Bus Accident Claims in New York?
If you've been injured in a bus accident in New York City, it's important to act quickly due to MTA bus accident deadlines. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation.
In New York, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your claim involves the MTA, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days and initiate the lawsuit within one year and 90 days from the accident.
Failing to meet these deadlines can result in your case being dismissed, no matter how strong the evidence.
How to Build a Strong Bus Accident Case
After a bus accident, collecting evidence is the key for building a strong claim for compensation. Your attorney will play a key role in gathering and preserving this evidence. Here’s what should be collected as soon as possible:
- Police Report: Obtain the official report, which includes details about the crash and statements from witnesses and officers. This document is critical for establishing facts about the accident.
- Medical Records: Seek immediate medical attention and keep all records of your treatment. These documents will connect your injuries to the accident and are essential for your claim.
- Eyewitness Statements: Get contact information from any witnesses. Their unbiased accounts can support your version of events, and your attorney will work to obtain these statements if needed.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, the bus, any vehicles involved, and your injuries. Visual evidence is powerful in proving liability.
- Surveillance Footage: Request footage from nearby bus or traffic cameras. This footage can provide essential evidence of the accident and may help clarify what happened.
- Driver and Maintenance Logs: Collect the driver’s logs and bus maintenance records, which can reveal negligence, such as driver fatigue or mechanical issues that contributed to the crash.
- Insurance Information: Collect the insurance details from the bus company and any other drivers involved. Your attorney will use this information to file claims and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Our New York City personal injury attorneys are on hand to take on the New York City Transit Authority and get the evidence you need.
Why Hire Our NYC Bus Accident Attorneys?
Our qualified team has in-depth knowledge of New York City’s transit system and the complexities of bus accident claims. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Our approach is personalized—we provide individual attention to every case, ensuring that each detail is addressed with care and precision. We take the time to understand your situation fully, tailoring our strategy to meet your specific needs.
From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will guide you through every step with empathy and expertise. Our proven track record of successful settlements in bus accident cases demonstrates our ability to achieve favorable outcomes. Clients trust us because we are dedicated to maximizing compensation and protecting your rights.
Choose us for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and results-driven approach to your bus accident case. We are committed to supporting you and ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
General Information on Bus Accidents in NYC
Bus accidents in New York City can be particularly devastating due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. Common types of NYC bus accidents include head-on collisions, rear-end accidents, and T-bone accidents.
These incidents can also involve other types of vehicles, such as taxis, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber, or even hit-and-run bus accidents. Each accident presents unique challenges, including handling complicated insurance claims and understanding the specific regulations governing MTA bus operations and other public transit vehicles.
Who Is Usually Liable in a Bus Accident?
In New York State, fault in a bus accident is determined based on negligence, which refers to failing to exercise reasonable care. Here’s who may be held liable in an NYC bus accident:
- Bus Driver: If the NYC bus driver was negligent—such as speeding, running red lights, or being distracted—they may be held liable. Drivers must adhere to all traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. In cases involving MTA bus accidents, the driver’s actions will be closely scrutinized.
- Bus Company: The company that owns the bus, such as the MTA, may be held responsible for the driver’s actions if those actions occurred within the scope of their employment. This is due to the principle of "vicarious liability," which holds employers accountable for their employees' negligent actions while on duty.
- Other Drivers: In many NYC bus accidents, other vehicles are involved. If another driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or caused a collision with a bus, they may be held liable. In these cases, proving liability can involve careful investigation of the accident scene and traffic violations.
- Municipal Entities: The City of New York or state might be partially responsible, especially if poor road conditions, defective traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident. Claims against municipal entities involve stricter procedural rules, including tight deadlines for filing, so it's critical to act quickly.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the bus or another vehicle involved in the accident contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held liable. For example, if a bus had faulty brakes, the manufacturer’s liability will need to be investigated.
- Pedestrians or Cyclists: In some cases, pedestrians or cyclists may contribute to the accident, especially if they violate traffic laws or fail to follow safety regulations. If they are partially at fault, they may share some responsibility for the crash.
New York follows a "comparative negligence" rule, meaning that if multiple parties are at fault, each can be held proportionally responsible for the damages. It’s essential to gather evidence and work with an qualified lawyer to determine who is liable, particularly in complex NYC bus accident cases, and to build a strong case for the compensation you deserve.
MTA Bus Accidents in New York City
According to the most recent data available, the number of riders being thrown around on city buses has been increasing. When asked, MTA officials blamed the incidents on drivers having to swerve to avoid cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
MTA data shows that “bus customer accidents” (reported mishaps that do not involve collisions) were up 11% to 494 through the end of August 2019 compared to 442 in 2018 as reported by the New York Post. Of the 494 bus customer accidents reported through August 2019, 41.9% were caused by “throwing movements,” a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
Bus collisions involving injuries also increased, as noted by the Post. Contact our bus accident lawyers for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in an MTA accident.
Slip & Fall Accidents on MTA Buses
The second most common bus customer accident reported were slips and falls when passengers board or exit the bus.
Slip and fall accidents can result in life-threatening injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Torn muscles and ligaments
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations to the hands and face
You deserve a bus accident lawyer who will fight to get you the maximum recovery availablein your case. Do not settle; contact Ajlouny Injury Law today.
School Bus Crashes
On average, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 124 people are killed each year in school-transportation-related crashes. Over a ten-year period, more than 264 school-age children were killed, including 97 pedestrians.
Despite being one of the most regulated vehicles on the road, school bus accidents happen every year and can be fatal. When a child is severely harmed or killed due to an operator’s negligence or wrongdoing, there must be accountability.
Victims or their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages. It's essential to work with an competent lawyer who can help manage the legal process and ensure that those responsible are held accountable while securing the compensation necessary for recovery.
Bus accidents can be caused by several factors and may be the fault of another driver, the bus operator, or both. Regardless of the situation, if you are injured in a New York City bus accident, you need our attorney who will help you understand your rights and your potential for recovery.
Common Injuries in Bus Accidents
Injuries from bus accidents can vary widely due to the size and force of the vehicles involved. Some common types of injuries include:
- Whiplash: Often caused by the sudden jerking motion when a bus collides with another vehicle or stops abruptly, leading to neck and back pain.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact bus collisions or sudden stops can cause serious bone fractures, particularly in passengers who are standing or not properly seated, affecting mobility and requiring extensive treatment.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Bus accidents can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) when passengers are thrown or struck by hard surfaces. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine during a bus crash can result in partial or complete paralysis, severely affecting daily life and requiring ongoing medical care.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a bus collision can cause trauma to internal organs, leading to serious complications and often requiring immediate, life-saving medical intervention.
According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle accidents, including those involving buses, are a significant cause of injury in the state.
Other Locations We Serve
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we are dedicated to providing expert legal assistance across all of New York City. Our team covers the entire city, including but not limited to:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
No matter where you are in NYC, we're here to support victims of bus accidents with the same high level of service and commitment.
No Fees Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Our payment comes from a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
This makes the process risk-free for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs. We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Bus Accident Claim Take in New York City?
The time required to resolve a bus accident claim in New York City depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and the severity of injuries. Most cases take several months to over a year, especially when they involve government entities like the MTA and require thorough investigation and negotiations.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured as a Passenger on the MTA?
If you were injured while riding an MTA bus, report the incident to the driver, seek immediate medical attention, and keep all records. Consult a bus accident lawyer in New York City promptly, as claims against municipal agencies require specific procedures and deadlines that differ from typical auto accident claims.
Can Pedestrians or Cyclists File a Claim If Hit by a Bus in New York City?
Yes, pedestrians and cyclists have the right to pursue compensation when a bus driver’s negligence causes injury. These claims can be complex, sometimes involving both city agencies and private insurers, and often require investigation of local traffic laws and accident scene details.
Contact Our NYC Bus Accident Lawyers Today
Dealing with the aftermath of a bus accident can oftentimes be confusing, stressful, and emotionally draining. Between medical appointments, insurance claims, and potential lost wages, the challenges can quickly become overwhelming. You don’t have to face this difficult situation on your own. Our law firm, together with our experienced team of New York bus accident lawyers, is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way. We provide compassionate support, protect your legal rights, and work tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. With our knowledge and experience, you can solely focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.
You can easily reach out in the following ways:
Call now to see how much compensation you may get. Contact us today and speak with our NYC bus accident attorneys at an initial free consultation.
Meet Your NYC Bus Accident Attorneys
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we understand that dealing with the fallout of an accident can be daunting. Our mission is to simplify the process for you and offer the compassionate support you need.
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a distinguished personal injury lawyer based in Brooklyn, renowned throughout New York State for his expertise. With a degree from St. John’s University and valuable experience from the Daniel Galinson firm, Paul has successfully secured over $150 million in settlements.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz combines his deep legal knowledge with a unique background in competitive sports, enhancing his negotiation skills with insurance companies and fostering strong relationships with clients.
A graduate of Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Michael is celebrated as one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 and has earned the Rising Star award from Super Lawyers Magazine.
